On January 16, 2026, a meeting was held between the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Holy See, Timur Primbetov, and the Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad. The meeting took place at the initiative of the Embassy of Kazakhstan, DKNews.kz reports.
The talks were held in a friendly and trust-based atmosphere and focused on key areas of bilateral cooperation, as well as interaction on international platforms.
Interreligious Dialogue at the Center of Discussions
A central theme of the meeting was the coordination of joint efforts to promote interreligious and interconfessional dialogue. Both sides emphasized the growing importance of dialogue between faiths as a foundation for peace, mutual respect, and global stability amid today’s complex international environment.
Kazakhstan’s long-standing commitment to fostering dialogue among religions and cultures was highlighted as a valuable contribution to global peacebuilding efforts.
Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions
In this context, Ambassador Primbetov briefed Cardinal Koovakad on the events planned for 2026 within the framework of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, one of Kazakhstan’s flagship international initiatives.
The Congress has established itself as a major global platform for dialogue among religious leaders, promoting tolerance, understanding, and cooperation across faiths and civilizations.
Second Kazakhstan–Vatican Colloquium in Astana
The parties also confirmed their strong interest in holding the second Kazakhstan–Vatican Colloquium in the capital of Kazakhstan later this year. They agreed to begin work on the organizational aspects of the event in the near future.
The upcoming colloquium is expected to further deepen dialogue between Kazakhstan and the Holy See and serve as an important forum for discussing humanitarian, spiritual, and intercultural issues.
Commitment to Ongoing Dialogue
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to maintain regular contacts and continue exchanging views across the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation.
Observers note that such engagements reinforce Kazakhstan’s role as an international hub for interfaith dialogue and underline the country’s commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and cooperation at the global level.
